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Brian Mcdermott was once over-looked for Alan Irvine during the pair’s playing days, but is looking to take all the spoils when their teams meet at Madejski Satdium tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

Irvine, now in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, was signed by Steve Coppell when the former Reading legend was in charge of Crystal Palace 25 years ago.

But McDermott was close to making the switch from Arsenal to Selhurst Park when he was snubbed by his mentor and close friend, who instead opted for Everton winger Irvine.

The 48-year-old Royals boss explained: “In 1984 Steve Coppell had to make a decision over whether to sign Alan Irvine or me.

“He signed Alan, it was probably the correct decision!

“I met Steve and he said he wanted to sign me and went and signed Alan a week later. I’ll remind him about that on the touchline tomorrow.”

McDermott is far too pragmatic to be bitter about small things like that, though, and is fully focused on getting back to Championship action against the 21st-placed outfit from South Yorkshire.

The game could be crucial in defining Royals’ season, with Irvine’s men eager for revenge after Reading beat them 2-0 at Hillsborough in December, then under Brendan Rodgers.

But McDermott insisted that he wasn’t treating the clash as a six-pointer.

He continued: “It’s a three pointer and I don’t ever talk to my players about must-win games.

“We’ll do everything we normally do beforehand and try to win the game.

“I know they’ll be organised and difficult to play against and beat.

“By definition we’re close to each other in the league and it will probably be a close game. But I love coming to the Madejski and playing.

“Our home form in 2010 is very good, we haven’t lost a game and it’s good to be coming home after three tough away games.”

McDermott also maintained that despite his side playing 120 minutes of football already this week, Royals won’t be sitting back and inviting any unwanted pressure from the visitors who are just one point behind Reading.

He added: “The most important thing is that we play on the front foot and attack teams when they come to our place.”